Mike Vrabel is heading to Houston as a member of Bill O’Brien’s Texans staff.
Vrabel confirmed on Twitter that he is leaving his current job as an Ohio State assistant to take over as linebackers coach in Houston.
The 38-year-old Vrabel played for the Steelers from 1997 to 2000, the Patriots from 2001 to 2008 and the Chiefs in 2009 and 2010. O’Brien was an assistant in New England for Vrabel’s last two years there. Romeo Crennel, a candidate to become Houston’s defensive coordinator, coached Vrabel in both New England and Kansas City.
In Columbus, where Vrabel had been considered one of the most important coaches on Urban Meyer’s staff, Vrabel’s decision was described as “a stunning departure.” In Houston, Vrabel should be a strong addition to the staff.